FIRA-AER vote Bernard Lapasset as IRB Chairman

01/12/2001 - 15/12/2001

Raul Martins, FIRA-AER representative on the IRB Council, had earlier explained why the election of the IRB Chairman was postponed to Los Angeles due to the late application of Bill Beaumont. The General Assembly therefore included the vote to appoint a candidate in its agenda. Bill Beaumont followed by Bernard Lapasset were given half an hour each to state their case. This involved a twenty minute address followed by ten minutes to respond to questions from the floor.

The current Vice Chairman of the IRB was first up. Following a reminder of his sporting credentials (Captain of the English XV, 34 international caps) he declared himself to be “pure rugby in all shapes and sizes”. “I love basic rugby, University rugby, Elite rugby. I know its strengths and weaknesses. I want to pay back to rugby what it has given me in experience and knowledge. We must invest at school and university level by using Sevens Rugby as a stepping stone to XVs.. The IRB must revise its governance. It must make it universal.

I have come to make promises and to keep them. Sport and Rugby are my passions. I have knowledge and contacts. I can create the difference. While I live on an Island, I travel regularly to Europe on business. Contrary to what is said, I am a supporter of Sevens Rugby. I want to make contact with governments, persuade countries in the top tier to play with those in the second tier. I would like the voting system to be reformed so that everyone has a voice. We need to find other financial sources other than the World Cup. I admire what you are doing in Europe. I will support you …”

Below are some of the objectives outlined by Bernard Lapasset’s in his strong address which he gave in French, calling it “the official language of FIRA”: 1. To help the top 10 nations. 2. To support emerging nations to ensure the expansion of rugby. 3. To continue universal development “which I have been doing for the past four years and which will allow us to increase resources. We need to expand in Asia and been present on its markets. Develop sporting and economic infrastructure. The Olympic games will be an exceptional opportunity. We need to secure diverse sources of finance. Europe must not rely solely on the IRB. There is no rivalry between Sevens and XVs rugby. The approach to both games is identical, the pitches and referees are born of the same discipline. What about governance ? Who can we learn from? Voting rules are not clear enough. My code of behaviour involves transparency, democratic participation and clarification. These elements are essential for positive evolution. We are on an upward trend and we should work together. FIRA has a wealth of real-life experience. We need to play together more in order to progress and create competitions. I am in favour of a World Cup with twenty participants. The Barbarians must be part of the tournament programme. The World Cup coupled with the Olympic Games will provide a launch pad which no other sport enjoys. With regard to the Olympic Games qualifiers, I am in favour of men’s and women’s regional tournaments. Finally, to come back to the governance of the IRB, it needs, in my opinion, to adopt a universal model”.

Having expressed his delight at meeting the FIRA-AER members again and referring to the Association as the “IRB’s number 1 region”, Bernard Lapasset then left to allow the vote to take place.

It was vote which turned out in his favour. Out of a total of 290 possible votes, 287 of which were cast, Bernard Lapasset received 197 with 90 votes going to Bill Beaumont.